Tactics / Transitions

Win it straight back

The moment you lose the ball, the nearest players press it at once, for about five seconds, before the other team can get away.

TransitionFrom 7v7Match moment: We have just lost it

FIVE SECONDS1081196GK
  • Us
  • Them
  • Pass
  • Run
  • Dribble

Why it works

Just after winning the ball, a player is usually looking down at it, with teammates still in defensive positions. That is the best moment to win it back, close to their goal.

What players do

  • The player who lost it presses first. No complaining, no stopping.
  • The next two nearest close the passing options around the ball.
  • If you cannot win it within about five seconds, or they have escaped, drop back into shape.

Common mistakes

  • Stopping to appeal for a foul, or holding your head, after losing the ball.
  • Only one player pressing while the rest watch.
  • Pressing for too long and leaving huge gaps behind.

With young players

Play "five-second rule" games: if you win the ball back within five seconds of losing it, your next goal counts double.

Drawn on a 105 × 68 m pitch, showing the part where it happens. Orange attacks left to right and the other team is in blue; numbers are the usual shirt numbers for each position.

Put it into your own team's plan in the team builder, and see what it asks of each player.

Next: Get back into shape

What it asks of each player

The same idea, from every line of the team. Set it up for your own team in the team builder.

  • GK
    Goalkeeper
    • Stand high, ready for a long ball over the press.
    • Talk: "press!" the moment we lose it.
    • Sweep anything played over the press.

    Position guide: Goalkeeper

  • DEF
    Defenders
    • Step up so the team stays close; mark the striker tightly.
    • Step up, do not drop off.
    • Win the long ball out of the press.

    Position guide: Centre-back · Full-back

  • MID
    Midfielders
    • The nearest two close passes around the ball.
    • Close the nearest pass, not the ball.
    • After five seconds, drop back into shape.

    Position guide: Holding midfielder · Central midfielder · Attacking midfielder

  • ATT
    Forwards
    • If you lost it, you press first. No stopping.
    • Press the player who took it from you at once.
    • Block the pass back to their defence.

    Position guide: Winger · Striker

Practices that train it

Start with the first, and build up to the game.